It’s in our DNA
Antwerp DNA

Whether you come to Antwerp for a hefty dose of culture, to soak up history, to shop or to enjoy culinary delights, Antwerp has it all.  The city has so much more to offer than the average destination, so come and really discover it during your next stay.

DIVA | museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver 

Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world since the Golden Age. If you're interested in diamonds, make sure to visit DIVA, the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver. Please note that the exhibition rooms will be temporarily closed from the end of March to 8 December 2022. The library, the studio, the event halls and the garden will remain in use. In addition, a pop-up will be opened on the Grote Markt.

Antwerp’s Most Brilliant 

Looking to buy exceptional jewellery? You’re in luck! Thanks to the 'Antwerp’s Most Brilliant' quality label you can see at a glance which jewellers have been inspected by an independent control body and meet the rigorous quality requirements in terms of sustainability, ethics, safety, transparency and service.

Diamond capital since 1477
DNA #1

Shopping routes 

Whatever your personal style, in Antwerp you will find elegant pieces by big fashion houses, trendy boutiques, small and independent shops and ground-breaking concept stores. Get inspired by some shopping routes created by locals.

MoMu

The museum is temporarily closed, but will reopen its doors on 8 October 2022 with new exhibitions. In addition to the temporary exhibitions, you can continue to learn about Belgian fashion and the inspiring stories of the Antwerp Six+ and the Fashion Department. In short, the story behind Antwerp fashion and the DNA of Belgian fashion.

Fashion district

Today, Antwerp is one of the world’s leading fashion cities. This fame initially stemmed from the talent of the iconic ‘Antwerp Six’, who made it to the top of the international fashion world from the 1980s onwards and paved the way for subsequent generations.

Fashion hub
DNA #2

Cruise terminal 

At the city’s oldest building, Het Steen, a brand new cruise terminal brings you straight to the visitor centre, where you can start exploring the city right away thanks to “The Antwerp Story”.

The Quays of the River Scheldt 

Having undergone a comprehensive renovation, parts of the quays of the River Scheldt are now completely finished and they are more stunning than ever! The quays are an important traffic artery for the city and follow the river all the way from North to South, but these days some parts are  also used for events and recreational activities.

Europe’s second largest port
DNA #3

Antwerp City Brewery De Koninck

The beers of De Koninck have been brewed in Antwerp for centuries. Thanks to the city brewery’s experience centre, you can now take a look behind the scenes. What's more, the De Koninck site features a food court, where you can taste the best chocolate, cheese, meats and bread, and even enjoy the superb food of a Michelin starred restaurant: The Butcher’s Son.

Chocolate Nation

This experience museum in Antwerp is the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world and is completely dedicated to Belgian chocolate. You get a unique insight into the chocolate traditions and innovations.

Blueness by 
Sergio Herman

Star chef Sergio Herman will bring a new version of Blueness, his food bar in Cadzand to Antwerp. The restaurant, located next to his other restaurant Le Pristine (*) offers Asian-inspired cuisine.

Zilte***

In 2021, Viki Geunes' restaurant Zilte was awarded a third Michelin star. With its unique location on the top floor of the MAS, the kitchen is not the only amazing experience. According to the Michelin inspectors, the cooking here has been elevated to an art.

1238 Restaurant

This restaurant has the enviable setting of the conservatory of the monastery garden. Wouter Van Tichelen (formerly with *) serves dishes influenced by classic Belgian cuisine but with his own interpretation.

Fine Fleur*

Where two chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants join forces, namely Jacob Jan Boerma (formerly with ***) and Thomas Diepersloot (formerly with *). Fine Fleur is a casual yet chic high-end restaurant.

Bar Bulot

Bar Bulot by Hertog Jan*** in Bruges will be joined by a branch in Antwerp, another masterpiece of the successful duo Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens. Bar Bulot serves traditional Belgian and French dishes.

Antwerp has a diverse culinary identity. And Antwerp offers foodies many opportunities for indulgence in 2022, too. One highlight is the brand-new Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, which is emerging as a destination for extraordinary fine dining, with as many as four restaurants:

Hertog Jan**

This unique restaurant from chefs Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens (formerly a three-star restaurant in Bruges) serves a menu that will astonish you, in an equally astonishing location.

Culinary trendsetter
DNA #4

Click on the icons/dots on the map for more info

Museums

  1. Chocolate Nation
  2. DIVA | Museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver
  3. Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience
  4. Eugeen Van Mieghem Museum
  5. FOMU | Photography Museum Antwerp
  6. HeadquARTers
  7. KMSKA | The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
  8. The Letterenhuis
  9. Maidens’ House
  10. M HKA | Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp
  11. Middelheim Museum
  12. MoMu | Fashion Museum
  13. MAS
  14. Museum De Reede
  15. Museum Mayer van den Bergh
  16. Museum Plantin-Moretus
  17. Museum Vleeshuis
  18. Red Star Line Museum
  19. Rubens House
  20. Snijders&Rockox House

Five historic and monumental churches

  1. Cathedral of Our Lady
  2. Saint Andrew’s Church
  3. Saint Charles Borromeo’s Church
  4. Saint James’ Church
  5. Saint Paul’s Church

Antwerp is not only the city of diamonds and fashion; you will also find various interesting museums to visit! From modern art to graphic art and printing, there is nothing Antwerp doesn’t offer. Antwerp is also home to some breathtaking churches that will dazzle you with their architecture.

Favourite among culture lovers
DNA #5

Whether you come to Antwerp for a hefty dose of culture, to soak up history, to shop or to enjoy culinary delights, Antwerp has it all.  The city has so much more to offer than the average destination, so come and really discover it during your next stay.

Antwerp DNA
It’s in our DNA

DIVA | museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver 

Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world since the Golden Age. If you're interested in diamonds, make sure to visit DIVA, the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver. Please note that the exhibition rooms will be temporarily closed from the end of March to 8 December 2022. The library, the studio, the event halls and the garden will remain in use. In addition, a pop-up will be opened on the Grote Markt.

Antwerp’s Most Brilliant 

Looking to buy exceptional jewellery? You’re in luck! Thanks to the 'Antwerp’s Most Brilliant' quality label you can see at a glance which jewellers have been inspected by an independent control body and meet the rigorous quality requirements in terms of sustainability, ethics, safety, transparency and service.

Diamond capital since 1477
DNA #1

MoMu

The museum is temporarily closed, but will reopen its doors on 8 October 2022 with new exhibitions. In addition to the temporary exhibitions, you can continue to learn about Belgian fashion and the inspiring stories of the Antwerp Six+ and the Fashion Department. In short, the story behind Antwerp fashion and the DNA of Belgian fashion.

Shopping routes 

Whatever your personal style, in Antwerp you will find elegant pieces by big fashion houses, trendy boutiques, small and independent shops and ground-breaking concept stores. Get inspired by some shopping routes created by locals.

Fashion district

Today, Antwerp is one of the world’s leading fashion cities. This fame initially stemmed from the talent of the iconic ‘Antwerp Six’, who made it to the top of the international fashion world from the 1980s onwards and paved the way for subsequent generations.

Fashion hub
DNA #2

Cruise terminal 

At the city’s oldest building, Het Steen, a brand new cruise terminal brings you straight to the visitor centre, where you can start exploring the city right away thanks to “The Antwerp Story”.

The Quays of the River Scheldt 

Having undergone a comprehensive renovation, parts of the quays of the River Scheldt are now completely finished and they are more stunning than ever! The quays are an important traffic artery for the city and follow the river all the way from North to South, but these days some parts are  also used for events and recreational activities.

Europe’s second largest port
DNA #3

Antwerp City Brewery De Koninck

The beers of De Koninck have been brewed in Antwerp for centuries. Thanks to the city brewery’s experience centre, you can now take a look behind the scenes. What's more, the De Koninck site features a food court, where you can taste the best chocolate, cheese, meats and bread, and even enjoy the superb food of a Michelin starred restaurant: The Butcher’s Son.

Chocolate Nation

This experience museum in Antwerp is the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world and is completely dedicated to Belgian chocolate. You get a unique insight into the chocolate traditions and innovations.

Blueness by 
Sergio Herman

Star chef Sergio Herman will bring a new version of Blueness, his food bar in Cadzand to Antwerp. The restaurant, located next to his other restaurant Le Pristine (*) offers Asian-inspired cuisine.

Zilte***

In 2021, Viki Geunes' restaurant Zilte was awarded a third Michelin star. With its unique location on the top floor of the MAS, the kitchen is not the only amazing experience. According to the Michelin inspectors, the cooking here has been elevated to an art.

1238 Restaurant

This restaurant has the enviable setting of the conservatory of the monastery garden. Wouter Van Tichelen (formerly with *) serves dishes influenced by classic Belgian cuisine but with his own interpretation.

Fine Fleur*

Where two chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants join forces, namely Jacob Jan Boerma (formerly with ***) and Thomas Diepersloot (formerly with *). Fine Fleur is a casual yet chic high-end restaurant.

Bar Bulot

Bar Bulot by Hertog Jan*** in Bruges will be joined by a branch in Antwerp, another masterpiece of the successful duo Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens. Bar Bulot serves traditional Belgian and French dishes.

Hertog Jan**

This unique restaurant from chefs Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens (formerly a three-star restaurant in Bruges) serves a menu that will astonish you, in an equally astonishing location.

Antwerp has a diverse culinary identity. And Antwerp offers foodies many opportunities for indulgence in 2022, too. One highlight is the brand-new Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, which is emerging as a destination for extraordinary fine dining, with as many as four restaurants:

Culinary trendsetter
DNA #4
St. Paul’s Church

Saint Paul’s Church is a former Dominican church, which was completed in 1639. The church has some splendid Baroque altars, more than 200 statues and 50 paintings. Masterpieces by artists such as Jordaens, Rubens, and Van Dyck emphasise the church’s unique appeal. The Calvary garden looks like a set from an epic film about Christ’s suffering and resurrection.

Veemarkt

St. James’ Church

Saint James‘ Church is the starting point for pilgrims journeying to the burial place of St James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela. The most famous memorial chapel is that of the Antwerp Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. He painted the altarpiece Madonna Surrounded by Saints in the chapel.

Lange Nieuwstraat 73-75

St. Charles Borromeo’s Church

The Rubens Church par excellence. The painter played a key part in the decoration of the façade and the crowning of the tower. The Jesuits built this typical Baroque church between 1615 and 1621. The original, still functioning mechanism above the main altar by which the paintings can be changed is a real eye-catcher.

Hendrik Conscienceplein 6

St. Andrew’s Church

In the early sixteenth century the Augustinian Friars built St. Andrew’s Church. Inside you can see stunning Baroque altars and seventeenth century works of art such as the monument for the Queen of Scotland, Mary Stuart. The dramatic nineteenth-century pulpit is a must see.

Sint-Andriesstraat 5

Adembenemende kerken
Cathedral of
Our Lady

In 2021, the cathedral celebrated its 500th anniversary. With its 123-metre tower, it is the largest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Moreover, it is home to four masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, including the world-famous Descent from the Cross. Contemporary works of art provide a surprising addition.

Handschoenmarkt

The new Snijders&Rockox House opened its doors in 2018. It was once the home of Nicolaas Rockox, the 17th century mayor, art collector and friend of Rubens, as well as the 17th century painter, Snijders. Their residences are true art temples that completely reflect the atmosphere of 17th century old-fashioned patrician homes.

Keizerstraat 10-12

In the heart of Antwerp lies the house of Peter Paul Rubens, the world-famous baroque painter of the 16th and 17th centuries. He lived here with his family for more than 25 years. He created most of his works here. The museum collection includes a large number of works by the master himself and by his famous colleagues and contemporaries. Attention: from spring 2022, the construction work on the new building will start. From 9 January 2023 to 2027, the Rubens House will be closed. Work will then begin on a new reception building, the construction of the garden and the renovation of the museum. The new building with experience rooms and a reading room will open in the spring of 2024. In 2027, 450 years after the birth of Rubens, the public will once again be welcome in the fully renovated museum.

Wapper 9-11

Between 1873 and 1934 the ships of the Red Star Line transported two million people from Antwerp to New York. For many people, the crossing began in the buildings of the Red Star Line. Get to know the passengers and listen to their story.

Montevideostraat 3

Museum Vleeshuis

This monumental building brings together all the sounds and stories of the city. From old opera houses to bandstands to the carillon of the cathedral belfry. Museum Vleeshuis (literally Butchers’ Hall) tells the story of 600 years of sound, music and dance in Antwerp.

Vleeshouwersstraat 38-40

Museum Plantin-Moretus is the original home and workshop of the eponymous printing family. This museum is a real gem, bringing the centuries-old history of books and book printing to life. Here you can see the oldest printing presses in the world as well as tens of thousands of books and a magnificent art collection. The Museum Plantin-Moretus is known for being the very first museum to be included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Vrijdagmarkt 22

The Museum Mayer van den Bergh houses a unique collection of art from Belgium and abroad. This was assembled by Fritz Mayer van den Bergh, a 19th-century connoisseur who collected art virtually full-time. Among the highlights is Dulle Griet (Mad Meg) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

Lange Gasthuisstraat 19

Museum De Reede is dedicated exclusively to exhibiting works on paper. The collection includes ensembles by Edvard Munch, Félicien Rops and Francisco Goya, as well as works by 40 Belgian and international graphic artists such as Ensor, Spilliaert, Tuymans, Kollwitz and many others. A brand new wing shows temporary exhibitions whose style or themes tie in with the permanent collection.

Ernest Van Dijckkaai 7

MAS

In 2021, this icon celebrated its tenth anniversary. Antwerp is the city on the river. For centuries, this has ensured meetings and exchanges between people from all over the world. The MAS collects the evidence and exhibits all these fascinating stories. About the city, the river, the port, and the rest of the world. The collection has no less than 500,000 alternating pieces.

Hanzestedenplaats 1

MoMu 

MoMu, the Fashion Museum houses the largest collection of Belgian contemporary fashion in the world and stands out with its compelling fashion exhibitions. Following a thorough renovation, there is now also a permanent exhibition space for the permanent collection. This will ensure that you can also visit MoMu during the thematic expo's conversion. Further improvement works will be carried out in 2022 and the doors will reopen on 30 September.

Nationalestraat 28

The Middelheim Museum is a sculpture park where you can stroll around for free, enjoying nature, peace and quiet, and of course a range of sculptures.

The museum boasts over 1,800 works of art. Besides the park itself, you can also visit various pavilions and enjoy a variety of contemporary exhibitions.

Middelheimlaan 61

M HKA | Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp

The Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp keeps its finger on the pulse of current events in contemporary art both at home and abroad. M HKA houses a rich and diverse collection, displayed in regularly changing exhibitions both inside and outside the museum.

Leuvenstraat 32

Maidens’ House

The Maidens' House is a former orphanage for girls, dating from the 16th century. Visitors discover the history of the care provided for orphans, foundlings and the poor in Antwerp over the centuries. The art collection includes works by great masters including Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens.

Lange Gasthuisstraat 33

Want to see the manuscripts of Flemish writers including Conscience, Van Ostaijen and Elsschot in real life? Or take a fresh look at the history of Flemish literature? Then make your way to the Letterenhuis.

Minderbroedersstraat 22

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is one of Europe’s top art museums. The collection holds about 8,400 paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints. The museum owns important works from the Flemish Primitives, Peter Paul Rubens, and the Baroque era, but also modern art, and it has the world’s most important collection of the work of James Ensor. After an 11-year renovation, the museum will reopen on 25 September 2022.

Leopold de Waelplaats 2

HeadquARTers, the headquarters of Katoen Natie, is home to an exceptional private collection. In the special private museum you can visit an exhibition about ‘3,500 years of textile art’. You can arrange a guided tour by appointment only.

Van Aerdstraat 33

FOMU –
Photography
Museum Antwerp

If you're into photography, then head straight for FOMU in Antwerp's Zuid district. FOMU takes you on a journey through the exciting world of photography, with temporary exhibitions by talented national and international photographers. You can also see some of the museum's permanent collection of 3 million objects in the themed exhibitions.

Waalsekaai 47

Eugeen Van Mieghem was fascinated by the thousands of emigrants who voyaged with the Red Star Line to seek their fortune in America. This museum, housed within Het Redershuis, is home to around 150 works by Van Mieghem.

Ernest Van Dijckkaai 9

Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience

The heritage library is the place to go if you want to find out more about the history of Antwerp. It is home to unique literary and cultural collections with the historical Nottebohm Room as the absolute highlight. This enchanting room is only accessible during exhibitions and guided tours.

Hendrik Conscienceplein 4

DIVA | museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver

At DIVA, you will get to know the rich history of diamonds and precious metals in Antwerp and discover all about the trade, craftsmanship and use of the ultimate luxury goods. Please note that the exhibition rooms will be temporarily closed from the end of March to 8 December 2022. The library, the studio, the event halls and the garden will remain in use. In addition, a pop-up will be opened on the Grote Markt.

Suikerrui 17

In fourteen themed rooms, Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world, takes you on a journey through the story of Belgian chocolate.  During your journey through the museum, you will learn everything about the chocolate traditions, history, brands, products and innovations that made Belgian chocolate world-famous.

Koningin Astridplein 7

Antwerp is not only the city of diamonds and fashion; you will also find various interesting museums to visit! From modern art to graphic art and printing, there is nothing Antwerp doesn’t offer. Antwerp is also home to some breathtaking churches that will dazzle you with their architecture.

Favourite among culture lovers
DNA #5